Electronic Countermeasure

This article is about the special weapon. For general uses of radar jamming, see electronic warfare.

An EA-18G using ECM pods to neutralize enemy missiles in Ace Combat Zero

An Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) is a device that prevents enemy units from being able to lock on to a target. ECMs are widely used in the Ace Combat franchise by both enemies and allies. The player can even use ECMs by equipping a special pod to their aircraft in lieu of a special weapon. In the older games, this pod was referred to as a Electronic Counter Measure Pod (ECMP).

When the player engages ECM, all enemy missiles that were tracking the player will abruptly lose their lock, causing the missiles to fly straight at the last-locked vector. While the player is immune to enemy radar lock, enemy missiles can still cause damage; for example, if the player and an enemy missile are both at level flight, the missile can still hit and damage the player's aircraft. The ECM effect only lasts a few seconds, after which the player must re-engage it after the battery fully recharges.

Gameplay

Ace Combat Infinity

"A special weapon that causes electronic jamming across a certain region. Emits jamming waves for a brief period of time, jamming enemy lock on capabilities and missile homing within the range of the effect."

Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

"Once released, the ECMP uses powerful jamming to disrupt the targeting capabilities of enemy missiles within its effective range. It is especially effective in confrontations involving multiple aircraft and anti-air defence systems. Advancements in missile technology have all but cemented its necessity in modern aircraft warfare."